After reading this post you will be able to fix an issue with your Windows 7 computer, where when you open up a pictures folder or library you are unable to view thumbnail view even on selecting thumbnail view as an option from the view menu.

Note: Make sure you are using Windows Aero as the theme.

To Check;

Right Click on Desktop

Click on Personalize

Make sure one of the themes from Aero section is selected. Refer screenshot below

FIX : If Aero is already selected

Method 1

Go to the pictures library

Click on organize( left side )

Folder and search options

Click on View tab

uncheck the checkbox that says “Always shows icons and not thumbnails”

Click Apply, OK ( Refer Screenshot below )

Method 2

Right Click the computer icon

Click on Properties

From the links on the left hand side

select advanced system settings

Click on advanced

Click on performance

Click on Let windows choose what’s best for my computer

OR

Select “ Adjust for best appearance”

Refer screenshot below

Method 3

Go to the start menu

Type run

Right Click the run program & Click on run as administrator (make sure you are the administrator)

type gpedit.msc

User Configuration

Administrative Templates

Start Menu and Taskbar

Turn off Taskbar Thumbnails

Click on enable, if it’s disabled or click on disable if it’s already enabled.

Restart you computer

Follow the steps mentioned above to get to “ Turn off taskbar thumbnails”